hehe, got two at $7.5 here @ Lowe's. Noticed them sitting on the shelf for quite a while, and getting worse each visit. Didn't want to buy since I know they are gonna need a lot of attention here in Zone 6, but can't tolerate seeing two fine pots of Gardenia dying. Just the same like you found, they are getting much better just with a little more water. In my case, it turns out they are simply outgrowing the little containers, which are full of the roots with little soil left. If this is also the case for you, better re-pot them before blooming season. Otherwise, the buds might show up but never make it to bloom.